You'll Understand

You'll understand why, even though I have hundreds of patterns, the majority of which I will never sew in ten lifetimes, I felt like I had to have this one.

Don't you love that vintage patterns show you the pattern pieces as well as a line drawing? And how they call zippers "slide fasteners"? That took me a minute to process, until I realized that zipper was like Kleenex, a brand name that had become the common name. I can't see what kind of fabric they suggest,but maybe back then they assumed  that everyone knew to use a drapey rayon or silk or fine cotton lawn or wool crepe. I'm just guessing,based on what was available then. Don't you love the details? The gathered princess bodice - the better to do an FBA with, my dear - and those sleeves--the French cuffs-- that gorgeous neckline--the beautiful collar! You understand why I had to have it. It was Meant To Be, It was MY SIZE. If that's not a message from the Sewing Goddess, I just don't know what is.  Obviously 1948 is my fashion year.               

I won't ask if you have ever bought a pattern on impulse, because if you are reading my blog I know you have. Instead I'll ask - What is your fashion decade? I'm beginning to think I'm a Forties person. The signs are pointing that way. What decade are you?      

P.S.I also NEED that hat.                                                             

Scary Patterns:Pumpkinhead Edition

At first, Jennifer thought the B&B room was charming. "Oh! Look at the handmade dolls!", she said to her husband. But later, she woke up at 3 am with the distinct feeling that someone was watching her.

"What was that noise?" was her last conscious thought.

Actual scary pattern available here.Don't say we didn't warn you.

Accidental Sewist

Butterick 5955

Sometimes you choose your next project, and sometimes the project chooses you. While virtuously trying to attain some semblance of order in Studio Hunting Creek, I happened to notice the the Japanese print above harmonized nicely with the black embroidered fabric on the same shelf.( Digression: Did you read the article that said that creative people had messy desks? )  When my new Butterick pattern arrived, I thought, "What do I have that will work for this?", looking at my options. While trying to pull out some jade green charmeuse, I saw the Japanese fabric again. It is from the deepest of Deep Stash: Mr. Hunting Creek brought it home to me from his mother's stash. It's definitely vintage. But is it too much like the picture?  I have an irrational dislike of making things that look like the pattern illustration. (The good student in me thinks this is akin to plagiarism.) I expressed this thought to Mr. Hunting Creek, while asking him if he liked the combination. He gave me the Are you Crazy look. "Because of the 7 people in the world that you never see who will notice that?" he commented, with that patient tone he reserves for my irrational moments. (You know, that tone that makes you want to smack people with your clear ruler. It is especially annoying when he is correct. I did not tell him this.) This will be my project for my Use a New Pattern monthly challenge.This Butterick is hot off the press, is super trendy (even though I am the least trendy person on earth besides Pope Francis, I do notice trends.) and it looks easy to sew. I hope saying that does not bring a curse upon my head, causing sewing machine tension problems, or thread breakage or some other exasperation.
Do you make things that look like the pattern picture? Or do you avoid doing that? (Or, in other words, am I alone in my No Copying obsession?)

Zinnias are My Favorite Flower

Zinnia Skirt with pleated pockets

This is the new Colette Patterns Zinnia Skirt Pattern.   I just decided to make this in a maxi length for the Holiday Season. (It's easy to do, just use lengthen/shorten lines, plus I have a cheater method - I measure the length on an existing maxi and go from there)
If you'd like to make one too, I have them in stock. For this week only, we'll give free shipping on all Colette Patterns. I'll take the shipping off in the cart. (Websites are tricky) Use the code ZINNIA.
So the only question is, what do I make my fabulous maxi skirt out of? The pattern says: 

• Versatile. You can use a wide array of fabrics, from wool flannel to delicate chiffon.

This makes me think maybe washed dupioni or heavy silk would work too.

Off to cruise the stash. Happy Gardening!